ASUS Prime Z890M-Plus WiFi
Overview
ASUS Prime Z890M-Plus WiFi: A Compact Powerhouse for Intel Core Ultra
The ASUS Prime Z890M-Plus WiFi is a Micro-ATX motherboard engineered for Intel's latest LGA 1851 platform, supporting Intel Core Ultra processors (Series 2). It packs cutting-edge features into a compact form factor, making it an excellent choice for gamers, content creators, and PC builders who want high performance without the bulk of a full ATX board.
Key Features and Performance
This motherboard supports DDR5 memory with speeds up to 8666+ MT/s (OC) and a maximum capacity of 192GB across four slots. With dual-channel architecture and ASUS's AEMP III technology, you can achieve exceptional memory bandwidth for demanding applications. The PCIe 5.0 x16 slot, reinforced with SafeSlot, ensures compatibility with the latest graphics cards, while the additional PCIe 4.0 slots provide flexibility for expansion cards.
Storage is a breeze with three M.2 slots: one Gen 5 x4 and two Gen 4 x4, offering blazing-fast NVMe SSD speeds. Six SATA ports support RAID 0/1/5/10 configurations, giving you ample room for mass storage. The board also includes a Thunderbolt 4 header for future USB4 connectivity.
Connectivity and Networking
Stay connected with Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) tri-band 2x2 and Bluetooth 5.4, delivering ultra-low latency and high throughput for online gaming and streaming. The Realtek 2.5Gb Ethernet with ASUS LANGuard provides reliable wired networking. The rear I/O panel features a USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C port with DisplayPort Alt mode, multiple USB-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and DisplayPort 1.4 for versatile display output.
Build Quality and User Experience
ASUS Prime series is known for its robust power delivery, and the Z890M-Plus WiFi is no exception. It features a 12+1+2 power stage design with premium chokes and capacitors, ensuring stable power for even the most demanding CPUs. The comprehensive cooling solution includes large heatsinks for VRM and M.2 drives, keeping temperatures in check during intense workloads.
BIOS FlashBack allows for easy firmware updates without a CPU, and the intuitive UEFI BIOS makes overclocking and system tuning accessible to all users. With ASUS's AI overclocking and cooling features, you can optimize performance effortlessly.
Who Is It For?
This motherboard is ideal for building a compact yet powerful gaming rig, a high-performance workstation, or a home theater PC. Its Micro-ATX form factor fits into smaller cases while still offering the features of larger boards. Whether you're a gamer seeking high frame rates, a content creator needing fast storage and memory, or an enthusiast wanting to overclock, the ASUS Prime Z890M-Plus WiFi delivers.
Key Specifications
Detailed Parameters
- Platform:
- Intel
- Socket:
- LGA 1851
- RAM Type:
- DDR5
- Number of RAM Slots:
- 4
- Maximum RAM/slot:
- 48
- Maximum RAM Capacity in GB:
- 192
- PCI Express Version:
- 5
- Form Factor:
- Micro-ATX
- Maximum RAM Speed in MHz:
- 8666
Pros
- Supports latest Intel Core Ultra processors with LGA 1851 socket
- PCIe 5.0 for next-gen GPUs and M.2 SSDs
- Wi-Fi 7 and 2.5Gb Ethernet for fast, reliable networking
- Comprehensive rear I/O with USB 3.2 Gen 2x2 Type-C and DP Alt mode
- BIOS FlashBack and user-friendly UEFI for easy updates and overclocking
Cons
- Micro-ATX form factor limits expansion slots compared to ATX
- Only three M.2 slots, which may be insufficient for heavy storage users
- No integrated Wi-Fi antenna in the box (requires external antennas)